Imagine the worst pain or discomfort you've ever felt, be it a broken bone, a horrible bout with the flu, or even childbirth. Now imagine this pain has no end in sight. From now on, you must live your entire life around it.
This is no imaginary thing for too many people. Some 100 million people in the United States suffer from chronic pain - defined as pain which lasts for months or years, and interferes with normal daily activities.
In 2001, the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) declared September as Pain Awareness Month, the goal being to raise awareness and remove any associated stigmas.
Individuals suffering from chronic pain may have anything from arthritis to migraines to autoimmune disorders. Ironically, many people who are diagnosed with one illness may also develop other overlapping illnesses. This in turn may need to depression, which in turn may lead to addiction, suicide or other disastrous effects.
Pledge to learn more about chronic pain, how to treat it, and how to support those who live with it.
For more information, go to www.theacpa.org
